** UPDATE: It’s with heavy hearts that we regret to inform that the owner / caretaker of the 1970 Buick GSX “Prototype” show car Brad Conley has passed. He’s owned this extremely special car since 1978, and it is largely responsible for our host Kevin Oeste’s obsession with Muscle Cars. Please join us in extending our condolences to the Conley family, but also our deepest appreciation to Brad for finding, restoring, and showing this amazing car that touched so many lives.
Most of us have a particular car that left a mark on us, and this Muscle Car Of The Week left a burnout on host Kevin Oeste’s brain like a Buick 455 burning bias ply tires across a slick parking lot. This week, Oeste is united with a childhood dream car, seeing the 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 “Prototype” show car in person for the first time at the 2018 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago. It was one of many special moments from the MCACN show, and a great example of why all muscle car fans should attend this amazing event. Special thanks to car owner Brad Conley for the personal tour of the GSX.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team has an opening in our automotive upholstery shop! We are hiring an Auto Upholstery Technician for Restoration and Custom Cars at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL!
Are you an experienced and creative Automotive Upholstery Technician? Do you like to build custom interiors for amazing cars? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a skill set that transforms vehicles into automotive masterpieces? If so, V8 Speed and Resto Shop is looking for you! We are a renowned automotive restoration and customization shop, and we are seeking a talented and experienced Upholstery Technician to join our dynamic team.
As an Upholstery Technician specializing in restoration and custom cars, you will play a vital role in transforming vintage vehicles into works of art. You will be responsible for a range of tasks, including; pattern making, sewing various materials, vinyl wrapping, spray glue techniques, interior assembly knowledge, deconstruction & documentation, interior fabrication and wood working. Your expertise will help preserve the timeless beauty of classic cars while adding custom modifications to meet our clients’ unique visions. You will be a critical member of the team working to perfect our customers’ dream cars!
Perform top-notch interior craftsmanship installation on classics, customs, and muscle cars.
Execute and ensure highest quality of interior fabrication and perform final interior assembly on seats, door panels, headliners, trim, and other interior items.
Collaborate with our passionate team to ensure every project meets our high standards of quality.
Auto Upholstery Technician Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements:
Proven experience as an upholstery technician, with a focus on restoration and customization.
In-depth knowledge of automotive upholstery work and repair techniques.
Proficient in sewing, deconstruction and assembly of car interior, wood working skills, vinyl wrapping, pattern making and interior fabrication for vehicle restoration.
A keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently on projects.
Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for overcoming challenges.
Excellent communication skills and a customer-centric approach.
Passion for custom cars and the automotive culture.
Join Our Enthusiastic Team!
If you have a deep love for classic cars, take pride in your craftsmanship, and possess the skills to elevate automotive restoration and customization, we want to hear from you! At V8 Speed and Resto Shop, you’ll have the opportunity to work on remarkable projects and collaborate with fellow automotive enthusiasts.
We value the well-being of our Team and their families above all else, and we all focus on generating the best employee and customer experience possible. Our core values center around the way we treat people and would like to be treated. We live and breathe classics, customs, restored and modified muscle cars, restomods, pro-touring cars, and more at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. We take pride in meticulously restoring and customizing vintage vehicles, and our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail sets us apart in the industry. We understand the significance of these cars to their owners and treat them as such. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who share a common passion for automotive excellence.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Purpose:
We believe in the importance of classic vehicles not only as historical objects, but for their personal significance to enthusiasts and their families, and for the joy they bring to the world.
We believe in the importance of the automobile industry as a workspace where people of all skill sets and in all areas of business can thrive working around special vehicles that ignite their passion.
We believe that dream cars can and do exist, and that our team is here to build them.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Mission Statement:
To connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels.
Values Statement:
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop achieves our goals and the goals of our customers by applying the following core values to everything we do:
Happiness
Quality
Respect
Honesty
Loyalty
Teamwork
Passion
Innovation
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Vision Statement:
To ensure that automobile enthusiasts will always have a trusted, talented, and passionate source to provide services they need to enjoy their special vehicles.
To always provide a healthy, safe, creative, and respectful workplace where our team can enhance their skills and abilities and enjoy satisfying and rewarding careers.
This Auto Upholstery Technician job opening requires experience. This is not an entry level position.
This position requires big picture thinking and a great attitude.
This is a full-time position. Shop hours are 8-5 Monday – Friday (Technician Hours 7AM – 3:30PM optional)
This job opening provides many benefits. We provide paid health insurance – PPO Health, Dental, Vision insurance 75% company paid. Paid time off starts accruing on day 1. Paid Holidays, 401(k) 3% matching, Flexible schedule, Company Paid $50K Life insurance, Employee discounts on parts, Provide in-house and out of shop training.
Competitive salary based on experience.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a great working environment with awesome teammates and lots of cool tools and equipment to grow your abilities. We have a backlog of work and are always looking to build better, more creative hot rods, customs, and muscle cars. We are located in a small, safe midwestern town of Red Bud Illinois.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the application link below. We look forward to speaking with you and welcome an exceptional Auto Upholstery Technician like you to our team!
Experience required! This is not an entry level position.
This position requires big picture thinking and a great attitude. Shop hours are 8-5 Monday – Friday (Technician Hours 7AM – 3:30PM optional)
We provide PPO Health, Dental, Vision insurance 75% company paid. Paid time off after 90 days, Paid Holidays, 401(k) 3% matching, Flexible schedule, Company Paid $50K Life insurance, Employee discounts on parts, Provide in-house and out of shop training.
Great working environment and awesome teammates to work with as well as lots of cool tools and equipment to grow your abilities. We are located in a small, safe midwestern town of Red Bud Illinois.
If you want consistent, rewarding work every day, every week, building award winning show cars this is a job for you!
Flip Through Some V8 Speed and Resto Shop Car Builds:
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Fill Out The Application To Schedule An Interview Today!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Take a lap through the 2023 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals with us after hours! The 2023 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show once again was jammed with unbelievable cars and displays. In this video, we take a walk-through the show after hours where the general public was not allowed to get up close in personal with many of the cars and feature exhibits. We cover the great “Who’s The Boss?” Ford display, the dual engine 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado, then we see the big bodied Buick display, cars from AMC and Pontiac and Chevrolet, special featured 1968 Ford Torino GT 428 Cobra Jet, Saleen Mustangs, and much more.
1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30 Convertible in PLUM CRAZY at 2022 MCACN Show Muscle Car Of The Week
This amazing 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 convertible is wearing an unusual color for an Oldsmobile, it’s actually a factory Chrysler color called Plum Crazy Purple! However, this amazing car was painted by General Motors in this Chrysler color back in 1970 and is considered correct for the car. How can this be? We got the whole story from restore Allan Steinbock at the 2022 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show in Chicago.
This is not just a pretty face, as this 442 features the 455 V8 engine with the W-30 performance package, including an aluminum intake manifold, hotter camshaft, tuned carburetor, and other blue-printed engine parts. It also features sport suspension, and the W 27 rear axle as well.
Although it is not a typical car, it is typical of the types of amazing and rare muscle cars found each year at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals Show in Chicago, we hope to see you there!
Honoring Veterans And The Birth Of Hot Rodding on Veterans Day 2023
Today’s hot rodding and high-performance parts industry can be directly traced back to veterans who enthusiastically put their newfound skills to work following World War II. This was a time where their enthusiasm and passion for speed and creating machines was coupled with an availability of low cost jalopies and cars to hop up, And a booming American economy, provided financial resources for them to make it happen. We love the fact that many veterans have started high-performance parts businesses many years ago that are still in business today helping us all realize our passions and enjoy our cars with friends and family. Thank you to all veterans From the V8 Speed Shop team! 
In our previous video, we showed you our 1978 Pontiac Trans Am project and talked about our plans for a high-end pro touring build. This means that we’re designing the car to drive and handle really well, have great power, but also be very comfortable and serviceable anywhere in the country.
The 1978 Pontiac Trans Am features a GM Performance Parts LS3 engine swap, along with a Detroit Speed subframe and front suspension. The brakes are Hydratech boosted WIlwood units, and a Heidt’s independent rear suspension will make the Trans Am handle better than it ever did. We’ve added Vintage Air, and American Autowire harness, YearOne 19” Snowflake wheels, and much more to this TA.
In this video, we’re going to focus on the exhaust system. This is a critical part of any pro touring build, as it needs to be able to flow well enough to support the engine’s power output, but it also needs to be quiet enough to be comfortable on long drives.
We started at the engine, using Hooker cast iron exhaust manifolds for the LS engine. These manifolds package well and flow very well, making them a great choice for our build. We ran the exhaust pipe underneath the center section of the independent rear suspension, which allows us to keep the exhaust tucked up and out of the way.
We also installed a pair of catalytic converters and a set of mufflers underneath the rear seat. The original muffler on this car was a transverse unit that went left to right over the rear axle well, but there’s no more space for that with the independent rear suspension. So, we modified a set of mufflers by cutting them open, reworking the internals, and making the inlet and exhaust on the same side. This gives us a turbo-style muffler that is still able to flow well and keep the sound down.
Since our customer wanted to keep the signature split exhaust tips of the Trans Am, we needed to find a way to route the exhaust pipes to the back of the car. We did this by making a custom muffler that lives underneath the rear axle. This muffler is filled with perforated pipe and packing material, which helps to reduce noise without killing performance.
Finally, we snaked the mandrel bent tubing from the custom muffler to the back of the car. We wanted to exhaust the car all the way at the back, rather than dumping it in front of the rear wheels. This is a much cleaner way to go, and it keeps the fumes out of the car and preserves the classic look of the Trans Am.
We’re really excited to hear how this exhaust system sounds! It’s been a really cool project to figure out how to make all of the pieces fit together and work properly. It is all mandrel bent 2.5” stainless tubing that is TIG welded together. We’re confident that this system will give us the performance and sound that we’re looking for.
In addition to the above, here are some other things to consider when designing an exhaust system for a pro touring car:
Ground clearance: The exhaust system needs to be routed in a way that avoids any ground clearance issues. This is especially important if you plan on driving your car on rough roads or tracks.
Heat management: The exhaust system can generate a lot of heat, so it’s important to make sure that it’s properly insulated. This will help to protect the car’s interior components from heat damage.
Aesthetics: The exhaust system is one of the most visible components on the car, so it’s important to choose a system that looks good. There are many different types of exhaust tips and pipes available, so you can find a system that matches the overall style of your car.
We believe that we have achieved all of our goals with this exhaust system. It is well designed, durable, and will produce a great sound that is both aggressive and refined. We can’t wait to hear what our customer thinks of it!
If you have a pro touring dream car, a custom car, or a cool hot rod that you need help with, please reach out to us at V8 Speed and Resto Shop. We have the experience and expertise to help you create a unique and amazing vehicle that you will be proud to own and drive.
This 1968 Dodge Coronet 500 has had extensive metal work done to it, and before it goes to the body and paint shop, the team is test fitting all the trim to make sure it fits properly. This is an important step to ensure that the final product is everything the customer wants it to be.
The video shows the car in the fabrication shop, where it is completely media blasted and sprayed with a gray epoxy primer. Certain areas are bare steel where the team has been doing welding, panel gap fitment, and rust repair. However, the car is now at the point where the team wants to see how the trim fits before it goes to the body and paint shop.
This step is essential because it allows the team to identify any potential problems early on. For example, if a new or reproduction part doesn’t fit properly, the team can make the necessary adjustments before the car is painted. This saves time and money in the long run.
The 1968 Dodge Coronet 500 is a cool project car, and the team at V8 Speed and Resto Shop is excited to see it finished. The car has a 383 engine, 330 horsepower, and 425 foot-pounds of torque. It also has a fresh suspension. Everything on the car will be essentially brand new when it’s finished.
If you have a project car that you’re thinking about restoring or customizing, the team at V8 Speed and Resto Shop would be happy to chat with you!
Join Our Team as an A-Level High Performance Auto Mechanic for Restoration and Custom Cars at V8 Speed and Resto Shop, now in our 20th Year Of Business!
Are you passionate about breathing new life into classic cars? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a skill set that transforms vehicles into automotive masterpieces? If so, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop is looking for you! We are a renowned automotive restoration and customization shop, and we are seeking a talented and experienced High Performance Mechanic to join our dynamic team.
Join Our Enthusiastic Team!
If you have a deep love for classic cars, take pride in your craftsmanship, and possess the skills to elevate automotive restoration and customization, we want to hear from you! At the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, you’ll have the opportunity to work on remarkable projects and collaborate with fellow automotive enthusiasts.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the application link below. We look forward to speaking with you and welcome an exceptional Auto Body Technician like you to our team!
High Performance Mechanic Role:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced A-level High Performance/Restoration Mechanic to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of experience in a high-performance or restoration automotive shop environment, showcasing exceptional technical prowess, diagnostic skills, and a passion for precision work. If you thrive in a culture-rich, detail-oriented, and collaborative setting, this opportunity is perfect for you.
High Performance Mechanic Position Responsibilities:
Perform advanced diagnostics, tuning, and maintenance on high-performance and restoration vehicles.
Demonstrate expertise in carburetor diagnostics and tuning, ensuring optimal engine performance.
Conduct engine performance diagnostics using troubleshooting guides and independent problem-solving skills.
Possess comprehensive knowledge of factory and aftermarket EFI systems, including installation and tuning for systems like Holley EFI, FAST EFI, Megasquirt, and HP tuners on generation III-V GM platforms.
Execute engine and transmission swaps, specializing in LS-based and Coyote engine installations.
Proficiently handle aftermarket brake installations and diagnose hydra boost systems.
Utilize MIG welding skills to create and modify brackets, motor mounts, exhaust systems, and suspension components. TIG welding capabilities are a plus.
Demonstrate strong drivability and diagnostic skills, addressing a wide range of automotive issues.
Diagnose, install, and troubleshoot air conditioning systems and aftermarket upgrades.
Expertly diagnose and perform custom electrical installations, while possessing knowledge of electrical noise, interference, and aftermarket component integration.
Participate in performance engine assembly, including head swaps, cam swaps, and supercharger installations.
Diagnose and perform minor repairs on both manual and automatic transmissions.
Address leaks and conduct necessary repairs with precision.
Showcase proficiency in ring and pinion setup, optimizing vehicle performance.
Conduct tire mounting and balancing with precision and accuracy.
Possess expertise in driveline angles, adjustments, and vibrations, diagnosing and rectifying issues to ensure optimal vehicle performance.
Uphold the highest standards of care, safety, and quality in all tasks performed.
Demonstrate the ability to operate manual transmissions smoothly.
Prioritize safety and precision, maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
High Performance Mechanic Technician Requirements:
A minimum of 10 years of experience in a high-performance or restoration automotive shop, or 6 years of repair experience with at least 4 years in a restoration or performance environment.
Proficiency in carburetor diagnostics and tuning, engine performance diagnostics, and EFI systems installation.
Solid experience with LS-based and Coyote engine swaps, aftermarket brake installations, and hydroboost systems.
Strong MIG welding skills; TIG welding skills are a plus.
Exceptional drivability, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills.
Comprehensive knowledge of air conditioning systems, electrical diagnostics, and aftermarket installations.
Experience with performance engine assembly and upgrades.
Ability to diagnose and repair manual and automatic transmissions.
Familiarity with ring and pinion setup, tire mounting, and balancing.
Strong understanding of driveline angles, adjustments, and vibration diagnosis and repair.
Passion for high-performance driving, racing, or attendance at performance driving schools is a plus.
Clean driving record.
Detail-oriented with a commitment to precision and quality.
About The V8 Speed and Resto Shop:
We value the well-being of our Team and their families above all else, and we all focus on generating the best employee and customer experience possible. Our core values center around the way we treat people and would like to be treated. We live and breathe classics, customs, restored and modified muscle cars, restomods, pro-touring cars, and more at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. We take pride in meticulously restoring and customizing vintage vehicles, and our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail sets us apart in the industry. We understand the significance of these cars to their owners and treat them as such. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who share a common passion for automotive excellence.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Purpose:
We believe in the importance of classic vehicles not only as historical objects, but for their personal significance to enthusiasts and their families, and for the joy they bring to the world.
We believe in the importance of the automobile industry as a workspace where people of all skill sets and in all areas of business can thrive working around special vehicles that ignite their passion.
We believe that dream cars can and do exist, and that our team is here to build them.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Mission Statement:
To connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels.
Values Statement:
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop achieves our goals and the goals of our customers by applying the following core values to everything we do:
Happiness
Quality
Respect
Honesty
Loyalty
Teamwork
Passion
Innovation
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Vision Statement:
To ensure that automobile enthusiasts will always have a trusted, talented, and passionate source to provide services they need to enjoy their special vehicles.
To always provide a healthy, safe, creative, and respectful workplace where our team can enhance their skills and abilities and enjoy satisfying and rewarding careers.
At the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we live and breathe classics, customs, restored and modified muscle cars, restomods, pro-touring cars, and more. We take pride in meticulously restoring and customizing vintage vehicles, and our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail sets us apart in the industry. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who share a common passion for automotive excellence.
This Mechanic Technician job opening requires experience. This is not an entry level position.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a great working environment with awesome teammates and lots of cool tools and equipment to grow your abilities. We have a backlog of work and are always looking to build better, more creative hot rods, customs, and muscle cars. We are located in a small, safe midwestern town of Red Bud Illinois.
If you want consistent, rewarding work every day, every week, building award winning show cars this is a job for you! We are hiring for this auto body shop job opening now.
Benefits:
We offer a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development and growth within our organization.
We provide PPO Health, Dental, Vision insurance 75% company paid.
Paid time off after 90 days
Paid Holidays
401(k) 3% matching
Flexible schedule
Company Paid $50K Life insurance
Employee discounts on parts
We provide in-house and out of shop training.
Shop hours are 8-5 Monday – Friday (Technician Hours 7AM – 3:30PM optional) – No Weekends
Join Our Enthusiastic Team!
If you have a deep love for classic cars, take pride in your craftsmanship, and possess the skills to elevate automotive restoration and customization, we want to hear from you! At V8 Speed and Resto Shop, you’ll have the opportunity to work on remarkable projects and collaborate with fellow automotive enthusiasts.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the application link below We can’t wait to welcome an exceptional A-Level Mechanic like you to our team!
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
The Triple Crown of Rodding event celebrates Hot Rods, Customs, Classics & Muscle Cars thru 1972, AND…. American-Made Trucks thru 1998! We’ll be there September 8-9, will you?
HERE’S JUST A SAMPLE WHY THIS EVENT WILL BE WHERE ALL THE PLAYERS….. COME TO PLAY!
• Brand New 2023 Chevrolet Pickup Hot-Rodded by Alloway’s Rod Shop to be given away by LUCK-OF-THE-DRAW to one lucky registered participant! • 50/50 drawing with 1/2 the proceeds going to one lucky winning ticket & the other 1/2 going to charities. • Over 40 State-Of-The-Art Beautifully Machined Billet Aluminum trophies and show chrome plated (6) of the Triple Crown Winners… Best Street Rod, Best Street Machine, Best Street Cruiser, Best Truck (up to 1972), Best Truck (73-87). Best Truck (88-98) • Win the Prestigious Triple Crown Trophy & a Gibson guitar! (gotta give some guitars away we’re in Music City USA) • The top (3) cars will be featured on the cover of Modern Rodding magazine and the Top (3) Trucks on the cover of Classic Truck Performance magazine with full inside features on all 6. The Top 6 Triple Crown Winners will be invited to compete for the Barrett-Jackson Cup & $20,000.00 Jan. 21-29, 2024 in Scottsdale, Az. (Only 50 vehicles Nationally invited with a minimum of 6 from this show!) • “Huge” Exhibitor Midway – Over 100 Vendors Large Swap Meet & Car 4-Sale Corral Nostalgia Nitro Dragsters Demo • Concerts and fun for the whole family! • AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!
TRIPLE CROWN OF RODDING • SEPT. 8 & 9 • 2023
Nashville Superspeedway Event will be held at the Nashville Superspeedway 4847-F McCrary Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090
Friday Sept 8 from 7am – 5pm Saturday Sept 9 from 8am – 5pm
Event is open to all Hot Rods, Street Rods, Street Machines, Classics & Customs up to 1972 AND All American-Made trucks up to 1998.
This 1978 Pontiac Trans Am came to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop more like a lame duck than a bird of fire, so our team went to work adding new rear gears, a 2004R overdrive transmission, a roller cam from COMP Cams, and a FAST EZ-2.0 EFI system for better driving manners. The Pontiac 400 engine even received an unexpected refresh along the way. It’s not often to see a Pontiac 400 fuel injected engine, but this car keeps the Poncho power with modern touches.
We sell these parts and can install them on your classic or muscle car, just contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop to talk to our technicians or to schedule your upgrades, transportation services are available.
Some of the parts used in this upgrade:
F.A.S.T. – EZ EFI 2.0 Fuel Injection System Royal Purple – Max ATF and Max Tuff Synthetic Assembly Lube B & M – Converter Lock-up Controller Tanks Inc – Fuel Tank, HP Fuel Pump and Sending Unit Shiftworks – Shifter Conversion Kit COMP Cams – Roller Cam, Roller Lifters, Push Rods and Roller Rockers Eastwood – High Temp Ceramic Engine Paint K&N – Air Filter
